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Netherlands Is India’s Natural Partner, Says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that the Netherlands is a natural partner in India's economic development and thanked the key European nation for backing India's Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) membership.

"The world is inter-dependent and inter-connected. We would discuss both bilateral issues and those concerning the world," Prime Minister Modi said ahead of talks with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte.

Ties between India and the Netherlands are very old. Our bilateral relations are very strong.

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Thanking the key European nation for backing India's MTCR membership, Modi said, "Because of your support India got the membership of the MTCR."

India joined the MTCR as a full member last year. MTCR membership enables India to buy high-end missile technology and also enhances its joint ventures with Russia. The aim of the MTCR is to restrict the proliferation of missiles, complete rocket systems, unmanned air vehicles and related technology for those systems capable of carrying a 500 kilogramme payload for at least 300 kilometres, as well as systems intended for the delivery of weapons of mass destruction.

Modi said the Netherlands is the fifth largest investment partner globally and in the last three years it has emerged as the 3rd largest source of FDI for the country.

Netherlands is a natural partner in the economic development of India. Our trade and economic ties are increasing: PM @narendramodi

He also praised Modi for announcing major sustainable initiatives like 'Clean India' and 'Make in India'.

"The Netherlands is a key partner to help India achieve its goals," he said. He said Europe is India's biggest trading partner and 20 percent of India's export to Europe enters through the Netherlands.

So, for India, we are an entry (point) to Europe.

Mark Rutte, Prime Minister, Netherlands

The Dutch premier said the ties is only expected to grow in coming years.

"Today we are giving fresh impetus to ties by easing the flow of capital in both directions. I believe this is one of the many ways to boost ties in the next 70 years and beyond," he said. This year, the two countries are celebrating 70 years of the establishment of Indo-Dutch diplomatic relations.